SEARCH FOR STEPHANOS…AN EMOTIONAL JOB


“No stone was unturned”, that was the words of Chief of Police, Carl Sferrazza in the search for Stephanos Rodriguez. As search that ended in tragedy with boy having drowned in the Connecticut River.

I know the entire town sends their prayers and thoughts to Stephanos mother and family. We cannot imagine the pain they have felt during this time.

From my observation the Enfield Police and area Fire Department had long days and sleepless nights in the search. Their desire to bring this boy home is not just a duty of job, but a passion for their community.

The local emergency teams that respond to these types of events have a difficult job to say the least. The police, firemen, and women prepare daily to protect and serve our community. However, is there really an emotional preparation for searching for a missing child?

The people who we call first responders all have families, many of which are children. It would be impossible to detach your emotions from the job that you have been called to do.

With each tip or new information brings an adrenaline rush of hope. Then as the information does not result in success the emotions have to be suppressed and the work begins all over again.

I am sure that every time the phone rings the officers and firemen all jump with anticipation to hear positive news. But, then it becomes surreal when there is no news. Can you imagine the emotional roller coaster these great people go through in times like this?

I write about this topic because we need to, as a community, express our appreciation for law enforcement and fire personnel. These brave citizens have a tough job and their emotions are strained often as they seek to protect us.

To make matters even worse the report has been that another young teen observed Stephanos fall into the river. The name of the young person is unknown due to him being a minor. I am sure his family is dealing with the emotional effects of this event and the boy will have a lifetime of reflection about this tragedy.

I think it is important to talk about teaching our kids to inform authorities, quickly, when something like this happens. I am not sure why he waited. Maybe fear of being somewhere he was not supposed to be that day. Who knows?

The best thing we can do is instruct our kids that they will not be in trouble for doing the right thing when they face a dangerous situation.

I want also to speak to the friends and fellow students at John F. Kennedy Middle School. We as your community know the emotion you had to deal with when you heard of Stephanos death. You may be still feeling the pain of his death, and the confusion of how this could happen.

Remember, you have teachers and counselors standing by to talk to you at any time. The Police Officer assigned to your school is also available to help you cope with this event. Your family Minister is also a great source of strength for you and your family. Of course your parents are the best people to go to when you need assistance dealing with all this.

No matter who you go to, know that there are people who care for you and are willing to answer questions, and give comfort.

Stephanos was blessed with a family that loved him, teachers that cared about him, friends that like hanging with him, and a community that grieved his loss. May God bless Stephanos Rodriguez.
As I began this article I mentioned the Police, Firemen, and Emergency worker that aided in the search for this teen. We know you did everything possible to find Stephanos.

Let us also keep in prayer the people who were involved in the search. Their job is incredibly tough. Nevertheless, they are up to the task and their efforts are greatly appreciated.